Cotswold and Panamoz

[A_S]

Also maybe worth mentioning that a bit like digitalrev back in the day, don't they break up "kits" and sell separately which is why you might get an open box or wite box product.

 

[f/1.2]

Also maybe worth mentioning that a bit like digitalrev back in the day, don't they break up "kits" and sell separately which is why you might get an open box or wite box product.

That was not the case here. They supplied at least a couple of people with equipment that had been used but sold as new.

 

[f/1.2]

Yes, it is perfectly normal for a brand-new camera to have a small shutter count. Manufacturers routinely test cameras at the factory for quality control (QC) purposes, which involves firing the shutter several times before the camera is ever packaged. [1, 2, 3]

What is Normal?
A truly "new" camera can range anywhere from 0 to a few hundred actuations straight out of the box. The exact number depends on the manufacturer's QC protocols. [1, 2, 3]

• 0 to 50 clicks: Extremely common for brands like Canon and Nikon.
• 50 to 300+ clicks: Also completely normal, particularly for Olympus, OM System, and some Sony bodies, which often undergo more intensive factory burn-in and calibration

This would suggest even 300 on the OPs camera could be deemed normal, I must admit this isn't something I've ever checked when I've bought a camera.

At a rough guess i have bought around 35 maybe 40 cameras over the last 15 years from all of the major brands. Sony, Fuji, Nikon, Canon and Olympus. That is not counting some odd ball cameras like Samsung and Sigma.

You seem very defensive of Cotswold, it is a bit odd.

I have never once bought a new camera that had anything but a shutter count of 1 after I had taken my first photo. I always check as Jessops way back in the day try to fob me of with a used camera that was being sold as new.

I know a lot of other photographers I have never heard of anyone receiving a new camera that already had a shutter count unless they have been ripped off.

 

[Hanley]

Then the product they sold, given that the contract is between you and Cotswold, doesn't meet their own Terms and Conditions. Should be a clear cut send it back for replacement or refund. They are UK based so operate under UK retail law and are subject to the 14 day returns legislation according to Martin - Under UK law, online and distance purchases are covered by a legal "cooling-off period" that allows you to cancel your order for any reason within 14 days of delivery. You then have an additional 14 days to return the items to the retailer for a full refund.

They did give him a full refund though

 

[A_S]

At a rough guess i have bought around 35 maybe 40 cameras over the last 15 years from all of the major brands. Sony, Fuji, Nikon, Canon and Olympus. That is not counting some odd ball cameras like Samsung and Sigma.

You seem very defensive of Cotswold, it is a bit odd.

I have never once bought a new camera that had anything but a shutter count of 1 after I had taken my first photo. I always check as Jessops way back in the day try to fob me of with a used camera that was being sold as new.

I know a lot of other photographers I have never heard of anyone receiving a new camera that already had a shutter count unless they have been ripped off.

I'd probably turn that round and say @Hanley 's response is a measured and rational one, especially as its based on personal experience - but you seem intent on "bringing down" cotswold based on 1 persons report of a bad experience and a few negative online reviews which doesn't seem overly rational or balanced to me.

FWIW I've bought a number of things from cotswolds too and not had an issue with products being anything but new.

 

[f/1.2]

I'd probably turn that round and say @Hanley 's response is a measured and rational one, especially as its based on personal experience - but you seem intent on "bringing down" cotswold based on 1 persons report of a bad experience and a few negative online reviews which doesn't seem overly rational or balanced to me.

FWIW I've bought a number of things from cotswolds too and not had an issue with products being anything but new.

I have bought from them and had poor service. Let’s be honest they are probably the worst of the grey importers.

 

[Hanley]

I have bought from them and had poor service. Let’s be honest they are probably the worst of the grey importers.

I'm not connected to them in anyway and didn't think I was being overly defensive of them.
I was just trying to get across what my personal experience of buying gear from them was like, my first purchase from them was for £10K and I emailed them to try and satisfy my hesitation. Since then I've probably spent another £10K, and I had no issues, that's all i was trying to get across.

I think they do differ from E-Infinity and Panamoz, in the sense they're actually physically based in Hong Kong and handle your gear before shipping, whereas Cotswold seems to act as a middle man. that's my take anyway. There's plenty of choice for us as consumers so it's all good.